Black Mistress

[Jeephead98]

So, I am kinda doing a post-ish type of build thread. Most of the big stuff is done, but as most of you know- you are never finished! I am going to post photos in order leading up to where it sits now. I did not get a lot of step by step photos. But you get the point. I paid 1k for this 1998, the guy could not keep it running. I found out that they had the totally wrong plugs in it, did a complete tune-up and it runs like a raped ape now!

This is shortly after I got it!



I pulled the valve cover because it was puking oil all over the driveway. It was actually pretty clean- no sludge!

[Jeephead98]

When I started this build, I decided to address every little issue or problem I have ever encountered in the last four XJ's that I have built. So I just started at the front and worked my way back!

Pulled the front axle out-took me 20 minutes. New record for me!


This is the new axle that is going under the front. HD Dana 44 out of a 1973 F-250.


This is what is going under the rear. Dana 60 out of a 1976 F-250.


Both of these axles came out of my previous XJ that I twisted the unibody on. I pulled anything that I needed and then sent it to the big scrapyard in the sky!

[Jeephead98]

Once I pulled the axle, I installed the the Scorpion inspired front bumper.


After the bumper was on I then proceeded to install the TNT frame stiffeners. Sorry, no pic of that install. Had to get those on before installing the TNT belly pan.
Side note: Since there was no axle under the front end, I took advantage of easy access. I replaced the rear main seal, replaced the oil pan gasket, pulled the t-case and did a rebuild -including the SYE install, and replaced the seals on the tranny!
Once all that was done, the front axle slid into place fairly easy.

[Jeephead98]

I was able to get the PSC power steering pump to fit with some other old brackets i had sitting around. Saved me a few bucks!


After that I got the winch and front tires on.


At this stage, this is what it looked like.

[cantab27]

now thas looking good steve.......nice work mate

[4.3LXJ]

Nice job. Sure helps to have stuff that has been in an XJ before eh?

[nickxj94]

Very nice!

[bluedragon436]

That is looking like it is going to be one beastly build once it's done..

[NW99XJ]

LOVING IT!!!
....of course I'm a little partial to the black XJ's.....
Jealous of the axles,
I frickin LOVE the looks of that bumper by the way!
Cant wait to see that 60 under this thing!

[XJ Wheeler]

Great work so far, nice beast of a build. That bumper does look sweet.

[07Negative]

I'd like to see a write up with images of doing the rear main seal. Mine is leaking as well, but so is everything else. I'm working on them one at a time.

[Jeephead98]

I did not take pics of the rear main replacement. BUT, I think I have a core motor that I can do a repair thread on!

[Jeephead98]

So, the next phase was to move to the rear. I got underneath the rear to assess what was ahead of me. I see this big black box just staring at me! I was like WTF is this. Figured out it is part of the emissions and purge system. So I decided to re-locate it up with the gas tank.


Once the "black box" was removed, I removed the rear axle. Took me 45 minutes. Stupid shackle bolts were stubborn!

[07Negative]

I broke both shackle bolts! Shit, I've broken damn near every bolt I've tried to extract from my Jeep. But those 2 I was pissed about. I had to order new ones from the dealer.
I questioned that same black box about 3 days ago. Wondered if that's how I'd be located if me and my passenger(s) here to ever crash.

[Jeephead98]

The next task I undertook was pulling the gas tank up into the cargo area. I want the clearance in the rear. the rocks are big here in Colorado! I didn't get any pics of the cut in the cargo area. Sorry.

You can see the emission canister in between the tank and the seat.